The United States is reaping the benefits of its mass vaccination campaign. Restaurants and other establishments are returning to full capacity, coronavirus deaths and hospitalizations are at their lowest point since last summer, and the CDC has announced that vaccinated Americans no longer need to wear masks. As of May 24, 39.8% of the country’s population is fully vaccinated, and 49.9% has received at least one dose. The challenge at hand now is to reach unvaccinated populations in order to boost overall vaccination rates. A new Kaiser Family Foundation survey highlights common vaccination fears among unvaccinated Latinos in the country. This insight presents an opportunity for targeted outreach in addressing common fears within our community.
Among those yet to be vaccinated, the survey shows that Latinos are two times more likely than their white counterparts to want to receive their shot—33% of unvaccinated Hispanic adults would like to get the vaccine, versus only 16% of unvaccinated white adults. But Latinos cite some recurring fears and barriers that have prevented them from getting vaccinated.
For example, 64% of unvaccinated Latinos worry about missing work due to the vaccine’s side effects. 52% think they may have to pay out-of-pocket costs to receive their shot. Another 39% worries about having to provide information, like a Social Security number or government-issued ID, that would reveal their immigration status. 35% worry that getting their shot can negatively impact their immigration status or that of their loved ones.
The coronavirus vaccine is provided by the federal government free of cost and regardless of immigration status, but the survey found that many vaccinated Latinos were asked to provide identification, Social Security numbers, and health insurance information in order to receive their shot. “That can pose barriers for many, particularly those who are uninsured or are potentially undocumented immigrants,” Samantha Artiga of the Kaiser Family Foundation explained.
These practices continue to feed concerns among unvaccinated Latinos. Latino advocacy groups like Forward Latino have urged retailers and pharmacies to address these equity issues in their programs. “The result will be more people getting vaccinated in a shorter period of time which benefits us all,” President Darryl Morin said. Additionally, more targeted information campaigns are needed to increase vaccination rates among this group. “With so many unvaccinated Hispanic adults eager to get a shot, there’s an opportunity to further close the gap in vaccination rates by addressing worries about costs and practical concerns,” Liz Hamel of the Kaiser Foundation said in a statement. Photo: Mat Napo/Unsplash